Angola

UN Resident Cordinator and UNDP Respresentative visits UNDP-funded projects in Huambo

Huambo– 6 August 2009 - UN Angola Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative, Ms. Joceline Bazile-Finley, visited the Sustainable Land Management Project (SLM) and Global Fund HIV/AIDS component, both UNDP Angola-funded projects in Huambo province, from 2 to 5 August, 2009.

The visit was aimed to strengthen the existing cooperation between UN agencies and Government implementing institutions, as well as to develop a strategic vision for future collaboration. Within the framework of the field mission, Ms. Finley's paid a courtesy visit to Huambo Province Governor, who expressed the interest to work with UNDP in the area of Energy and Environment.

It should be recalled that Land degradation is a major threat to national economy and the global environment. St. Valey is one of the targeted threaten areas assessed for Sustainable Land and Forest Management that can be used as a showcase for the upcoming Copenhagen meeting. Recent reports state that the population was occupying the area prone to gully erosion for home construction, and the training center of Kissala was assessed to deliver the outcome ONEof the project that is institutional and individual capacity for SLM enhancement.

SLM is to strengthen the 10-year-old Kissala training center by rehabilitating the facilities therein and enabling the environment for training on rural extension, adequate use of soil fertilizer, and use of composting (bio fertilizer). The center, currently managed by local NGOs ADRA and Development Workshop, is an added value for peasants, field officers, and students. It covers an area of 112 hectares and its structure is made of low cost technology.

The Global Fund (GF) Programme's HIV/AIDS component in Huambo province also provides training for women in pastry, English course and sewing.